1931 Bugatti Type 49 short-wheelbase roadster
- Engine
- 3.3L SOHC inline-eight, 85 bhp
Bugatti Type 49 chassis 49431 is a rare short-wheelbase example from an estimated production run of 470 cars built between 1930 and 1934. Bodied by Alsatian coachbuilder Gangloff with an open roadster featuring a dickey seat and folding windscreen — a design that predates the similar Jean Bugatti style on the Type 55 — it was originally supplied through Bugatti agent Antonin Joly et Frères of Tunis. The matching drivetrain components and Gangloff body number 393 survive intact, and the car passed through notable French collections before reaching the present sale.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$852,500
- 1955 →Unknown Paris ownerpartial documentation
Car was observed in Paris in 1955, registered as 579 DW 75, and described as still largely original and unaltered at that time.
- 1967 →Private saleJess Pourretpartial documentation
Prominent collector and automotive historian, acquired the car from Henri Novo's Montrouge garage; confirmed chassis and engine identity to Bugatti historian Hugh Conway in 1974.
- Date unknownFactory deliveryAntonin Joly et Frèrespartial documentation
Bugatti dealership in Tunis that ordered this car alongside an identical example; arranged delivery to a French-registered client after coachwork was completed by Gangloff.
- Date unknownPrivate saleFrench-registered original clientnone documentation
Anonymous first retail owner who requested registration in France rather than Tunisia.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownMichel Seydouxpartial documentation
Noted French collector who held the car as part of an extensive collection before it was placed for sale.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownEdgar Bensoussanpartial documentation
Well-regarded automotive broker through whom the car was eventually sold on.
Competition
- 19581958 International Bugatti Rally
Organized by the Dutch Bugatti Club; itinerary included Château d'Ermenonville and Le Mans. Owner at the time not explicitly identified in the prose.
- 1968Bugatti Rally at Bec HellouinDriver: Jess Pourret
Entered by Pourret shortly after his acquisition of the car.
- 1969Bugatti Owners Club Meeting, PrescottDriver: Jess Pourret
Club gathering at the Prescott hillclimb venue; Pourret participated with this car.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Modification
Original carburettor replaced with a Weber unit, and a supplementary radiator added beneath the chassis; otherwise no evidence of significant mechanical alteration over the car's history.
Date of modification unknown; all other major drivetrain and body components appear unaltered.
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